Question: Hi there, could you please introduce yourself?
Answer: Hello, I am Freya Malhotra. I am from Delhi and currently a first-year BMS student at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies. Besides my interest in entrepreneurship consulting, I enjoy dancing and reading books. I am really excited to be at this stage; there's so much learning opportunity and growth.
Question: The first question is, could you share your experience as the National winner of the Nation of Innovation award issued by MDI Gurgaon in January?
Answer: Sure! Basically, there were only 2 undergraduate teams, and initially, there were over 1500 teams. We had to qualify for the first round, which involved the submission of a two-slider PPT. After qualifying, we made it to the top 15 teams. This was quite an achievement, especially considering the competition from other prestigious business schools like IMT Ghaziabad and ISB Hyderabad. It was a very gratifying feeling, although I must admit the day of the competition was nerve-wracking for us. We were running late, then we had to present first and had no prior experience. Nevertheless, winning was great. I still remember the feeling I got when my teammate told us we had won and got a 50k cash prize, while I had already left for home. It motivated me to participate more.
Question: How has participating in the hackathon competition influenced your perspective on problem-solving, teamwork, and technology? Have there been any significant learnings from this experience?
Answer: Participating in the hackathon during my 12th grade had a profound impact on my approach to problem-solving, teamwork dynamics, and understanding of technology. It significantly enhanced my analytical thinking skills and provided me with practical exposure to various career paths, including consulting, finance, entrepreneurship, and investment banking. Despite the stiff competition, with around 1.5 lakh participants, being selected in the top 45 teams was a testament to the skills and knowledge gained through the process. Although not emerging victorious in every competition, being among the top 5 or 10 teams still offered invaluable learning experiences. It taught me the importance of collaborative problem-solving, focusing on the collective goal rather than individual success, and cherishing the lessons and experiences gained along the journey.
Question: What advice would you give to aspiring participants looking to excel in a hackathon?
Answer: My advice to aspiring participants is not to be disheartened by initial setbacks. Perseverance is key; don't give up easily if things don't go as planned. Keep participating and seek opportunities for practical exposure, which is often lacking in traditional college curriculum. It's crucial to step beyond the confines of set coursework and actively engage in events to gain hands-on experience. Even if you don't secure victory, participating and networking with fellow enthusiasts can offer valuable insights and opportunities for growth. Additionally, don't hesitate to seek guidance from mentors and learn from the experiences of others who have navigated similar challenges. Remember, each participation, win or lose, contributes to your growth and development as a problem solver and innovator.
Question: How has winning Minds in Motion organised by Sri Venkateswara College impacted your personal and professional growth? Was there any experience from this achievement that influenced your future endeavours?
Answer: Winning Minds in Motion marked a pivotal moment in my personal and professional journey, being my first victory in an inter-college competition outside of my college. While I had previously succeeded in various PI rounds within my college, this experience provided valuable insights into competitions beyond our campus. Despite the perception of elite competition at Shaheed Sukhdev College, this win served as a reality check, highlighting the talent and potential present in the diverse academic settings.
The speech that led to our victory wasn't necessarily the most practical, but it's informal nature resonated with the audience, fostering a genuine connection. This taught me the importance of authenticity and engagement in communication, even in professional settings. Moreover, witnessing judges appreciate our approach emphasised the value of creativity and relatability in making an impact.
Beyond the immediate success, winning Minds in Motion introduced me to real-life challenges and potential solutions, particularly in the field of consulting. It broadened my perspective on career options and solidified my interest in consulting as a viable path. This competition served as a catalyst for my career aspirations, motivating me to explore opportunities in consulting further and providing invaluable networking connections that continue to shape my journey. Overall, it was a transformative experience that significantly influenced my personal growth and professional trajectory.
Question: How do you effectively manage your time amidst various commitments, including participating in innovation hackathon events?
Answer: Being a student at Shaheed Sukhdev College, where the environment is always bustling with activities and achievements, it's easy to feel like there's never enough time. However, this competitive atmosphere serves as a constant motivator for me to manage my time efficiently. Time management is indeed the cornerstone of juggling multiple responsibilities, whether it's balancing participation in societies, academic studies, or hackathon events.
Maintaining a schedule and adhering to a timetable has been instrumental in helping me stay organised. While I've never been one to strictly follow a timetable, I recognize its value and often wish I had implemented one earlier. Additionally, it's essential to prioritise tasks based on their urgency and importance, giving due attention to academic commitments, extracurricular activities, and personal obligations.
Moreover, maintaining humility and being mindful of my surroundings are important aspects of effective time management. It's crucial not to become complacent or overly proud of past achievements, as there's always room for growth and improvement. Adopting a mindset of continuous learning and viewing experiences as opportunities for development keeps me motivated to strive for more.
Regarding innovation and hackathon events, embracing diverse perspectives is key to generating innovative ideas. Being open to learning from others and adapting to new challenges fosters creativity and problem-solving abilities, essential elements for success in such competitions.
Question: Is it true that higher achievements lead to more stress?
Answer: Upon entering college, I initially harboured a sense of fulfilment, believing that my dreams had been realised. However, I soon realised that the college environment, particularly at Shaheed Sukhdev College, was more demanding than I had anticipated. Surrounded by peers constantly engaged in various activities and accomplishments, it's easy to feel inadequate and overwhelmed.
The stress I experienced stemmed from multiple sources. Firstly, there was the pressure of academic expectations, especially as we faced exams for the first time. Transitioning from the structured study routine of school to the more independent approach required in college posed challenges. Additionally, witnessing my peers excel in different areas sometimes led to feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy.
However, I've come to realise that stress is not solely determined by external achievements but rather by one's perception and approach to challenges. Adopting an optimistic outlook has been crucial in navigating through stressful times. Rather than viewing tasks as burdensome, I choose to see them as opportunities for growth and learning.
While the workload may seem daunting at times, I remind myself that each experience, whether academic or extracurricular, contributes to my personal and professional development. By reframing challenges as learning opportunities, I've been able to manage stress more effectively and maintain a positive outlook on my journey.
Question: Who are your role models?
Answer: My role models are my parents. My mother is incredibly hardworking, and I've always admired her dedication. She not only excels in her career at the RBI but also embodies humility and teaches me to remain grounded despite any success. My father has also been a significant influence in my life, teaching me to never give up in the face of adversities. Additionally, my brother sets a high standard with his academic achievements, motivating me to strive for excellence. Ultimately, my family's collective values of humility, hard work, and prioritisation of family inspire me to succeed and make them proud.
Question: Can you share a particular moment that you're really proud of?
Answer: I take pride in my continuous pursuit of personal growth and resilience in the face of challenges. Each day, I wake up with a determination to learn new things and approach life with enthusiasm. Despite encountering obstacles along the way, I remain steadfast in my commitment to self-improvement. One specific achievement that stands out to me is when I successfully hosted two events within a span of a week. One event was the E-Summit, for the Entrepreneurship Cell, and the other was Exposition, for the Marketing Society. Managing both events effectively showcased my organisational skills and ability to multitask, and I am truly proud of that accomplishment. Along with that I'm proud to tell that I got AIR 47 in CUET for BMS, and AIR 4 in NFAT, which made my parents really proud.
Question: What are your future plans?
Answer: Currently, I don't have a concrete plan set in stone. I prefer to remain open-minded and embrace opportunities as they come my way. I believe in seizing the moment rather than strictly adhering to a predetermined plan. However, I do have aspirations to pursue an MBA at some point, although the timing is yet to be decided. Alongside that, I am keen on exploring various career paths, including consulting and entrepreneurship. Nonetheless, I am also receptive to other opportunities that may present themselves in the future. Flexibility and adaptability are key principles guiding my approach to my future endeavors.
Question: Any advice for juniors?
Answer: To juniors, I would advise ensuring thorough preparation not just for your Boards but also for exams like CUET. Personally, I found that prioritising my board exam studies translated into success in CUET as well as I scored 100% in almost all subjects. Additionally, I encourage you to remain focused on your future endeavours, both academically and personally. It's important to steer clear of toxic environments and resist the urge to compare your journey with others'. Remember, everyone's path is unique. Stay positive, stay focused, and embrace the journey wholeheartedly. Avoid getting caught up in a rat race; instead, have the confidence to stand out from the crowd.
HIGHLIGHTS-
●National Winner: Freya won the Nation of Innovation award issued by MDI Gurgaon, and received a cash prize worth INR 50k, competing against over 1500 teams, which gave her exposure and confidence.
●Impact of Hackathons: Participation in hackathons during high school significantly enhanced Freya's problem-solving skills, exposed her to various career options, and taught her the importance of teamwork.
●Advice for Aspiring Participants: Freya advises aspiring participants to persevere, seek practical exposure beyond college curriculum, network with peers, and learn from mentors' experiences.
●Impact of Winning Minds in Motion: Winning an inter-college competition provided Freya with insights into real-life challenges, introduced her to consulting as a career option, and motivated her to pursue further achievements.
●Time Management and Hackathons: Freya emphasises the importance of time management in juggling various commitments, including hackathons, and stresses the need for humility and continuous learning.
●Dealing with Stress: Freya acknowledges the stress that comes with achievements but underscores the importance of maintaining an optimistic outlook and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.
●Role Models: Freya cites her parents and brother as her role models, highlighting their hard work, humility, and family values as sources of inspiration.
●Proud Moment: Freya takes pride in her continuous pursuit of personal growth and resilience, particularly in successfully hosting two events within a week, showcasing her organisational skills.
●Future Plans: Freya remains open-minded about her future plans, expressing interest in pursuing an MBA and exploring various career paths, including consulting and entrepreneurship
●Advice for Juniors: Freya advises juniors to prioritise preparation for exams, avoid toxic environments, stay focused, and have the confidence to stand out from the crowd.
